Severe Weather

NY firefighters, military hold 9/11 service at Pearl Harbor

Remembering 9/11. On Tuesday, thousands across the country observed a moment of silence as they remembered the nearly 3,000 lives lost exactly 11 years ago.

The first ceremonies were held in New York but the final services to mark this important day happened here in Hawaii.

On the deck of the Battleship Missouri, members of the military joined firefighters from New York for a special service.

The memorial was filled with patriotism as everyone gathered remembered the September 11 attacks on America.

"It changed my life in every way possible, just like it changed the world," said Vincent Forras for the Gear Up Foundation.

Forras, along with the NYFD personnel came with more than just memories of that dark day. They also brought a flag that flew over ground at sunrise, a flag that flew over Pearl Harbor at sunset -- both sites of horrific attacks.

Along with those killed during the attacks and when the Twin Towers collapsed, rescuers have also died over the years from their time at Ground Zero in the months after 9/11.

"People are still affected by this. They're still dying. Guys who were 21 then -- 32 now. They're facing cancers," said New York firefighter Joshua Gallo. "As we lose people that did whatever they did to support this effort, there is no wall, no memorial."

But on the flag brought from New York, there are names on the stripes for those killed on 9/11. By the stars, the names of those who died after working at Ground Zero.

"They go from supermen to people you can't believe are the same people, so this attack continues to this day," said Gallo.

On this day, for the first time a 9/11 ceremony was held at Pearl Harbor, giving many who witnessed a horrific part of our history a chance to see how Hawaii has healed.

"I go back with a piece of history and tell my friends and tell my co-workers what we did here and what they did there at the same time," said Gallo.

The non-profit Gear Up Foundation, which held the event, is developing post-traumatic stress disorder for firefighters based on the military's Wounded Warrior program. Forras said he hopes make this anniversary event an annual one to mark the two days that will live in infamy for America.

Copyright 2012 byKITV All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.